June is Black Music Month! Black Music Month started in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. Black music isn’t limited to R&B and Gospel. Blacks have contributed or some would say created all musical genres including Country, Rock ‘n Roll, Pop, Jazz, Folk, Rap, Hip Hop, and Blues.
I love music! You can go back to some of my other posts like “My Introduction to Aretha Franklin’s Music“, “Rain Songs Every Millennial Should Know” and “15 Songs That Remind You of Being Home” to check out some of my favorite songs. Nevertheless, thought I’d share some songs that celebrate being Black. Whether it’s the illustrious beauty in the colors of our skin, multitude of special gifts and talents, historical ancestry, or the genuine love for each other, it’s worth sharing. I’m here operating in my gift to provide some songs of empowerment that might help you hold your head up a little higher. In my Dr. Maya Angelou voice, “Remember who you are.”
1. Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)
Prevalent in the Civil Rights Movement, the song has been around for over 50 years. To me the song is celebrating creating our own lane if society doesn’t want to accept us. However, I feel our children need to hear the words, “I’m Black and I’m proud” since there is a high rate of bullying and suicide among kids related to their different looks, lack of confidence, and not fitting in with peers.
2. Brotha- Angie Stone
Ladies our men need love too. Our Black men have all sorts of obstacles they are facing, but may not complain. Nowadays they can go to work or to the store and because a White man feels threatened our husband, our man, our father, our brother, our son, our uncle may not come back home alive.
3. I Can- Nas
I was in undergrad in college when this song dropped! The entire song is so motivating. Very refreshing in comparison to songs that glorify material things. It was popping in the clubs too. The most profound part was at the end when Nas dropped some knowledge on Black History. Yea that part. That part which isn’t taught in school.
4. To Be Young, Gifted & Black- Nina Simone
Young, Gifted, and Black is exactly what I am. It’s no act. That’s a fact. I’ve heard of Nina Simone, but didn’t know any of her music. Now I know this one. I hope to explore more of her music and her legacy in the future.
5. Brown Skin Girl- Beyonce
This song was released in 2019. It’s a beautiful song that little girls and full grown women can appreciate.
6. Black Man- Stevie Wonder
This song reminds you of Black history and American history. Pay attention to the words in the song. Stevie’s definitely dropping some knowledge. For example, the first open heart surgery was performed by a Black man. And listen to the facts at the end. I broke down the color code for you. Yellow man= Asian man. Red man= Native American. Both terms are deemed offensive today. Remember this song came out in 1976.
7. Black Coffee- Heavy D & The Boyz
This song right here! I’ve been loving it since 7th grade. One of my besties loved it too. The way her memory is set up, she probably doesn’t remember. LOL. I still get excited when I hear it today as a grown woman. Besides being great to dance to it makes me feel good, appreciated, and worthy. It did back then and still does now.
8. Afeni- Rhapsody
I heard this song on the radio back in March. Immediately I fell in love with it. To me this song is a love letter from Black women to our Black men today. Requesting to love us how we want to be loved. And regardless of reciprocity, we still love them.
Did you know that Rapsody is a Grammy nominated rapper from Charlotte, NC? Did you know PJ Morton is the son of well renowed Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. and is part of the pop group Maroon 5? Well now you know.
9. Black Butterfly- Sounds of Blackness
I’m a fan of Sounds of Blackness, but if you’re like me you might not have heard of this song either. It’s very encouraging and reminds us of our heritage.
10. Brown Skin- India Arie
When I hear this song I hear an adoring love for the Black man.
11. Black Woman- Judy Mowatt
Judy Mowatt used to sing in the background for Bob Marley and The Wailers. This reggae song refers to the struggles Black women had to overcome. Whether it’s a story from the Bible or brutality of slavery. Here are some of the lyrics.
We are the said (same) ones in the plantation Lashes to our skin On auction blocks we were chained and called Band of merchandise Carnally abused, when worn we were refused And thrown in the garbage bins But no need for that now Free yourself of that now And help me to sing my song
12. Black Pride- Brown Sugar
Here’s a self-love song with a reggae vibe. Plus it’s just a great song to be thankful for your Black skin. That’s your color. God made you that way. Be proud of what He did. The song was released in 1977.
13. Strong Black Woman- Chrisette Michele
The song is nice because truly, ain’t nothing like a strong Black woman. However, I don’t feel the song got much love due to the backlash Chrisette received for singing at Trump’s inauguration. I’ve heard some skepticism of whether the song was actually to celebrate us women or a ploy to get love from us again. I’m not mad at her.
Chrisette did show me some love by liking one of my posts on Instagram. The post was in reference to my favorite Christmas album. She is very talented. I purchased her first two albums (I Am and Epiphany). There are several beautiful songs about love on the album if you want to check them out.
14. Black Butterfly- Deniece Williams
If you are an older millennial or older you should’ve heard this song a few times. It was very popular in the mid 1980s.
15. Lift Every Voice
Last but not least, the Black National Anthem. I started my primary education in a majority Black populated school. This is where I learned the song. I recall learning all of the lyrics in 3rd grade music class. Just about every Black church sings it during in February. It’s definitely a homage to our past. When the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC initially opened, it was a delight to see everyone singing this song in perfect harmony.
Our Black Is Beautiful
